How to Prevent Ants from Coming in Your House this Spring
During the winter months, ants have a hard time regulating their body temperature, which puts them into a dormant state. Once spring arrives and the weather turns warm, they begin searching for food and water. That is why homeowners may see some uninvited guests crawling across their floors, counters and windowsills this spring. If you want to prevent ants from entering your house this spring, be sure to follow these steps:
1. Cut Back Branches around the House
When trees and shrubs are allowed to grow too close to the house, they create natural bridges for ants and other pests to easily enter your home. Simply trimming back branches so that they are about two feet away from the house can make it more difficult for ants to find their way indoors.
2. Seal all Cracks
It only takes a small opening for ants to enter your home. Take the time at least once a year to inspect your home for any signs of cracks and seal them with the appropriate products. Pay special attention to the areas around windows and doors and along the foundation.
3. Seal Your Food
Ants come into your home because they have found a source of food and water. Eliminating these sources can prevent infestations. Make sure that all your food is stored in airtight containers and fix any leaky plumbing that may be causing small puddles and standing water.
4. Clean Regularly
It is important to stay on top of cleaning duties and get rid of crumbs. Make sure to vacuum and sweep on a regular basis, wipe down countertops, dining tables and other places where your family eats and don’t leave dirty dishes sitting in the sink.
5. Watch for Scout Ants
You may quickly dismiss the problem if you just see a handful of ants, but these may be scout ants that are sent out to find food and water for the colony. They may be in the process of alerting the rest of the colony to head to your home. If you see these scout ants, it is a good idea to put out ant baits.
6. Spray a Barrier
Spraying a barrier of the right insecticide around the foundation of your home can deter ants. While there are effective barrier sprays available at the hardware store, you may want to leave this project up to the professionals. They will make sure to use the right products and application methods.
If you are tired of dealing with pests and want to enjoy an ant-free home this spring, call the experts at Capital Pest Services, Inc. We have the skills and experience to help you quickly and efficiently treat and prevent infestations.
Capital Pest is proud to be a family-owned and operated pest control company serving Raleigh, NC and its surrounding area (Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Clayton, Pinehurst, Pittsboro, Fuquay-Varina, etc). Contact us for our pest control services today!
